Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Some of you may know that this coming Monday is a big day for our little girl -- she is getting her tonsils and adenoids out! She has been sick for about six months or so with either strep or some type of viral tonsillitis. So with her current illness streak and in combination with her speech delay it was decided that they need to come out. I'm very aware that this is the most basic of procedures but it come with an interesting twist for our family -- we are taking Madi to the very OR that cared for our son for 3 1/2 years. The same people who worked hard to save our sons life will be taking care of our little girl. It brings me great comfort but also brings up so many memories.

This first time I took Madison to duPont for her ENT appointment was one of the most surreal moments, it was as if I brought the wrong child -- I wanted so bad to be standing there checking in Gavin. It was just a very weird feeling. I think being at dupont brings up a lot of emotions for Madison as well. She is a little more difficult to read but I can tell her thought just by looking at her face -- she has developed this "I was just reminded of Gavin" face. It's a tell tale sign she is feeling a little sad. But like us all a little talking about Gavin and his crazy little baby monster teeth smile and we are all smiling again.

Other new things that are happening these next few months include my new place on the Family Advisory Committee at the Children's Hospital. I am very excited to go back and help give all aspects of hospital planning a parents persecutive. I'm excited to give back a little to the hospital that was are home for so long. Adam and I will also be taking part in the annual "Death and Dying Seminar" at the hospital. This is a seminar for all 2nd year pediatric residents. We will have to opportunity to tell our experience of the death process in a panel type interview. We consider it a great honor to be able to play a roll in the education of these doctors and also being able to tell the amazing story of both Gavin's live and death.

I'm sure I'm missing something, as it seems like our calendar is filling up with things to do over the next few months. It makes me very happy -- giving me a chance to carry on the memory of my little boy.

12 comments:

I'm getting chills reading all of the amazing ways that you and Adam are going to be able to share Gavin's story with others. I see God written all over every part of your story. It is beyond words.

Praying for Madi's surgery. Praying over you and Adam as you help educate doctors. Praying over you as you step into a new role with the hospital providing guidance and understanding. So many parents are going to be touched and loved because of your wisdom. Blessings.ps love the Madi serious face pic. She and my Lydia would be two peas in a pod. Beautiful little girl.

Madi is so lucky. Growing up I had tonsillitis very year multiple times a year well into my twenties. I remember how much my throat would hurt and the doctors kept telling me I would grow out of it. Well 20+ years later I did grow out of it. I would have given anything to have my tonsils out. I hope Madi feels better after the surgery. It is wonderful that you can find so many was to help others by sharing Gavin's story. Hopefully the future doctors will take some of your story to heart. Gavin's story can change the world. Praying for all of you!

I will be praying for Madison. Just stay on top of meds before the pain is out of control. I know a lot of people talk about ice cream, but it causes lots of mucous and can cause gagging and throwing up which in turn makes the throat bleed or become more sore. Clears like popsicles, juices, broth, etc are better choices. All three of mine had theirs taken out by the time they were four. Take care!

I know how you feel. My daughter had her tonsils and adenoids out on Oct. 20th and she was 4 years old. She was at Seattle Children's Hospital. It was the same hospital where my youngest daughter died on February 7th, 2009 at 12 days old. I had mixed emotions, but I knew it was the best possible place for her to have them removed. I was worried that she was going to be very scared since that is where her little sister was and never got to come home. I will be praying for all of you, as well as the doctors and nurses. http://www.remembertessa.com

In a strange way, I am betting that Madison will not be nervous at the hospital because she knows it so well.

I can only imagine what an odd feeling it is to be there for something other than Gavin having a crisis.

You have no idea how important your story will be to those 2nd year residents!! They are taught SO much book information but they rarely ever are told about the emotional side of medicine. I personally think that every resident should be required to hear parents that have lost a child to illness, speak.

I was on the Chicken Soup for the Soul website today looking for an edition about special needs kids for myself. They are looking for contributions for an upcoming edition regarding grief and loss. The first person I thought of was you because you have such an amazing way of telling your story. Just a thought!

I am sending Madi lots of hugs!!!!!I will keep her in my prayers as she goes through the surgery. Also keeping you and Adam in mind it's wonderful to hear your able to keep Gavins memory alive and help many others too.